Replacement ship sought as ferry out for a month

Serco NorthLink has stated that it will be up to a month before the Hamnavoe will be back in service, and confirmed that it is seeking a temporary replacement.

Stuart Garrett, managing director at Serco NorthLink Ferries, said: “Initial internal and independent assessments of the Hamnavoe ferry, which is currently docked at Stromness, is that the crankshaft on the starboard engine is irreparable. It will be up to four weeks before the Hamnavoe is back in service on the Pentland Firth crossing.

“We are currently stripping the engine and developing a detailed project plan and timeline for the repair. We will publish this within the next 48 hours.”

He added: “Our commercial team and independent brokers are also looking at the availability of temporary replacement vessels, as a matter of urgency.

“In the meantime, we are working with our passengers to arrange alternative options for this lifeline service in order to minimise disruption to their journey.”